Pacoima Honors Black Postmaster with New Nancy Avery Square

The tribute comes during Black History Month, recognizing Avery as the first African American postmaster of a major U.S. post office.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The city of Pacoima, California has dedicated a new public square named after Nancy C. Avery, the first African American postmaster of a major U.S. post office. Avery served as postmaster of the Pacoima Post Office from 1961 to 1984. The naming ceremony took place on Monday at the intersection of Van Nuys Boulevard and Kewen Avenue, with local officials and community members celebrating Avery's pioneering role and legacy.

Why it matters

The dedication of Nancy Avery Square highlights the importance of recognizing and honoring the contributions of African Americans, especially in leadership roles, during Black History Month. Avery's appointment as postmaster in 1961 was a significant milestone, as the Postal Service was one of the largest employers of African Americans at the time.

The details

Nancy C. Avery was a housewife, school recreation assistant, and active Democratic Party worker when President John F. Kennedy appointed her as postmaster of the Pacoima Post Office in 1961. She served in this role until her retirement in 1984. The new Nancy Avery Square is located at the intersection of Van Nuys Boulevard and Kewen Avenue, which L.A. City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez described as the intersection of Black history and Latino culture in Pacoima.

  • Nancy Avery served as postmaster of the Pacoima Post Office from 1961 to 1984.
  • Avery passed away in 1992 at the age of 72.
  • The naming ceremony for Nancy Avery Square took place on Monday, February 23, 2026.

The players

Nancy C. Avery

The first African American postmaster of a major U.S. post office, serving as postmaster of the Pacoima Post Office from 1961 to 1984.

Monica Rodriguez

L.A. City Councilwoman who hosted the ceremony dedicating Nancy Avery Square.

Bill Hurd

A retired United States Postal Service worker who started his career at the Pacoima office under Avery's leadership.

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What they’re saying

“She (Nancy) opened those doors so that more people, like us, could walk through them. And for that, we are here to celebrate on this most important Black History Month.”

— Monica Rodriguez, L.A. City Councilwoman (cbsnews.com)

“I've said that Pacoima is a pueblo mágico, it's a magic town. It's a magic community. But it is inspired by the very people that have been born and come out of this community, of which I am proud to be one.”

— Monica Rodriguez, L.A. City Councilwoman (cbsnews.com)

“She hired me that day, and I've never looked back.”

— Bill Hurd, Retired United States Postal Service worker (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The city of Pacoima plans to hold an official dedication ceremony for Nancy Avery Square on March 15, 2026, which would have been Avery's 106th birthday.

The takeaway

The dedication of Nancy Avery Square during Black History Month serves as an important recognition of the pioneering achievements and contributions of African Americans, especially in leadership roles within the federal government. Avery's appointment as the first Black postmaster of a major U.S. post office paved the way for greater diversity and representation in the Postal Service and beyond.